We are ready to reach our generation with the message of the cross.
Timothy 4:12 (New International Version)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Of course, there are always some people who are going to be upset, but to a large degree, we influence other people's opinion of us. Paul went on to instruct Timothy about how he could gain the respect of those to whom he ministered (see note 15 at this verse).
Note 14 at 1Ti 4:12: This scripture makes it clear that Timothy was a young man at the time Paul was writing this epistle. That still doesn't give us a clear sense of his age, because the Jews didn't consider a boy to be a man until the age of thirty. Most scholars believe Timothy was in his thirties at this time.
The principle that Paul was explaining is that maturity is not always associated with years. Out of all the people Paul had trained, Timothy's heart was the closest to that of the Apostle Paul (Php 2:20). Timothy was the one anointed by God to carry on the work of the church at Ephesus, and he had to fight any cultural barriers that would cause the older people not to respect his authority because of his young age.
Note 15 at 1Ti 4:12: Paul didn't write to the people at Ephesus about not despising Timothy's youth; he wrote to Timothy about not letting others despise his youth. This shows that individuals are responsible, to a large degree, for other people's opinions about them (see note 13 at this verse). People who lack character often sit around and complain about the way others view them. People with strong character change the way others view them.
Paul told Timothy how to get others to respect his authority. It can all be summed up in the word "example." Paul told Timothy things he could do that would manifest his godly character and authority to others in such a way that would make them respect the position God had placed him in.
Often those in positions of authority demand respect just because they hold the office, yet they don't live lives worthy of respect. It is true that the offices people occupy demand respect, regardless of personal conduct. Those who fail to live up to the character of their offices alienate their followers and open themselves up to many unnecessary problems.
Paul was telling Timothy to earn the respect of the people by living a godly life, and then no one would be able to criticize him. The following instructions are how Timothy was to achieve this lifestyle. These are classic instructions on godly living that all leaders should try to follow.
Note 16 at 1Ti 4:12: No leaders should ever expect others to follow them if they don't have their mouths under control. The first thing Paul instructed Timothy about was his words. Lies, exaggerations, deceit, and malice are not becoming to anyone, but they are disastrous to leaders. Those who conquer their tongues can conquer anything (Jas 3:2), and those who have not conquered their tongues will face difficulties in leadership.
The political system that is in place today, where lies are acceptable, reveals how far our leaders are from being godly leaders. This should not happen in the church.
Note 17 at 1Ti 4:12: The second thing Paul instructed Timothy about in order to gain the respect of those to whom he ministered was his lifestyle. That's what the word "conversation" means. The New International Version translated this word as "life."
Godly living that earns respect has to be more than words. It must include the things we say being backed up by consistent actions. How we act speaks so loudly that the world can't hear what we say.
Note 18 at 1Ti 4:12: The old English word "charity" denotes God's kind of love. Paul spoke to Timothy about his words (see note 16 at this verse) and actions (see note 17 at this verse), and here, Paul was dealing with Timothy's motives.
Paul revealed in 1Co 13 that speaking in tongues, operating in faith, moving in the gifts, and even giving all that we have are nothing without God's kind of love. Somehow, the attitude of our hearts is communicated regardless of our words or actions.
This is especially important for ministers. Regardless of their words and demeanor, the motives of their hearts come through. They can preach on love and make it look and sound good, but if there is bitterness or un-forgiveness in their hearts, then people will perceive that. They must minister with spirit ("charity"), soul ("conversation"), and body ("word").
Note 19 at 1Ti 4:12: The word "spirit" is used here in the sense of "mental disposition" (Strong's Concordance)--not as a part of man's being, as in spirit, soul, and body. Paul was telling Timothy to let his attitude be an example to those he ministered to.
The New International Version omits the word "spirit" from Paul's list, yet attitude is vitally important in people's lives. All employers have employees who may do their jobs well, but their attitudes aren't good. These are not the people who gain the respect of their bosses and are promoted. Attitude is often the determining factor in people's lives. Attitude either inspires others or causes others to reject them.
Note 20 at 1Ti 4:12: Any Christian leaders who are hoping to influence others have to be strong in faith. When life's problems come, whether they respond in faith or fear speaks volumes to those who watch their lives.
Note 21 at 1Ti 4:12: Vine's Expository Dictionary says the Greek word "HAGNEIA," which was translated "purity" here, "denotes the chastity which excludes all impurity of spirit, manner, or act." This describes what many people today would call integrity.
Even people with pure hearts still sin and make mistakes, but they don't lie about it or try to cover up what they've done. They are transparent. They don't ascribe blame to someone else for what they've done; they accept responsibility. People with pure hearts are humble and receive mercy from others because they've given mercy to others (Jas 2:13).
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